Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 1 Update
May 5, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Towels rest on the seats before game three of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The NHL is nearing the end of the first week of the 2012-2013 playoffs, and as promised, we’re going to keep you updated on what’s happening around the league.
Western Conference:
Series A
Chicago leads the series with Minnesota at 2-0, taking the first game in an overtime victory last Tuesday, shocking many fans who thought Chicago’s all-out domination throughout the season would continue through to the post-season. The Blackhawks lived up to expectations Friday night though, claiming a 5-2 victory over the Wild to close out the Blackhawks’ first stint at home. Chicago’s Michael Frolik and Patrick Sharp were crucial in Friday night’s victory, scoring two goals each. Game three kicked off this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Central Time and is being broadcast on NBC.
Series B
Anaheim leads Detroit 2-1 in the series, taking the win in two of the first three games quite decisively. Anaheim took the first of two games on home ice 3-1 over the Red Wings, but dropped the ball in game two until an impressive three-goal rally in the third that pushed the game into overtime. The Red Wings scored the final goal just a minute and a half into overtime, taking the 5-4 victory. Last night, the Ducks shutout the Red Wings 4-0 in Detroit. Game four starts tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m and will be broadcast on NBC.
Series C
San Jose leads the series against Vancouver 2-0. The Sharks launched into game one with a 3-1 victory, but the Canucks aren’t going down without a fight. Though Friday night’s game couldn’t be decided in regulation, the Canucks rallied together in the third period, holding the lead through the 19 minute mark until San Jose landed the tying goal. The Sharks tallied the victory just five minutes into the extra period. The teams meet for game three tonight at 9:00 p.m and the match will be broadcast on NBC.
Series D
St. Louis holds a 2-1 series lead over the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, but all three games have been nail-biters. The Blues recorded the first win of the series with a 2-1 overtime victory last Tuesday, and upped the ante with yet another 2-1 win on Thursday. The Kings led through the majority of the game with St. Louis scoring its first goal three minutes into the third period, and landing the game-winning goal with less than a minute remaining. The Kings took game three 1-0 last night scoring the game’s only goal in the second period. Game four kicks off tomorrow night at 9:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBCSN.
Eastern Conference
Series E
The conference-winning Pittsburgh Penguins lead the New York Islanders 2-1 in the series with today’s 5-4 overtime victory. Pittsburgh launched into the series with a not-so-shocking 5-0 shutout win Wednesday night. Game two, complete with a freshly healed Sidney Crosby, appeared to be on par with game one when the Penguins took a 3-1 lead over the Islanders in the first period. Between the second and third periods though, New York landed three goals to Pittsburgh’s zero, giving the Islanders the 4-1 win. The teams launch into game four Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on NBCSN.
Series F
The Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators stand tied 1-1 in the series as of this afternoon.The Senators recorded the first win of the series with a 4-2 victory and a three-goal third period Thursday night. Game two’s excitement, however, came entirely in the second period. Montreal took a 2-0 lead five minutes into the period, and though Ottawa attempted a comeback with a goal eight minutes in, former Dallas Star Michael Ryder tacked on the game-winning goal with little more than a minute remaining in the period, putting the Canadiens up 3-1. Game three starts tonight at 6:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBCSN.
Series G
The Washington Capitals lead the New York Rangers 2-0 in the series. The Capitals landed the first victory of the series with a 3-1 victory Thursday night. Despite trailing 1-0 headed into the second period, the Capitals pushed forward, scoring three goals in the middle frame and holding off the Rangers for the better half of 40-plus minutes. Game two was decided by a single goal. Mike Green gave the Capitals the victory wit h the game’s only goal eight minutes into overtime. The team face each other for game three tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on NBCSN.
Series H
The Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs are dead-locked at 1-1 in the series. Boston notched the first win of the series with 4-1 victory over Toronto Wednesday night. The Leafs landed the first goal of the night just two minutes into the game, but the Bruins refused to let the early slip define the rest of the night, scoring two goals in the first and second periods. The Leafs tied the series with a 4-2 victory over the Bruins last night. In stark contrast to game one, Boston scored first, but Toronto landed two goals in the second and third periods. Game three starts tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on the NHL Network.